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Question

How do I access the taskbar while on full screen?

Mar 13, 2015 6:52AM PDT

How can I access the taskbar while I am watching something on full screen in Windows 8? I do NOT want to get out of full screen. I used to be able to do this on Windows Vista by simply clicking on the Windows logo key on keyboard, but it obviously doesn't work on Windows 8.
For example, if I had a calculator minimized in my taskbar and I was watching a movie full-screen, I'd simply press the Windows logo key and then choose the calculator and it would appear on top of my full-screen movie, or I could just press the Windows logo key while on full-screen mode and be able to turn the volume up/down without having to get out of full-screen.
Please advise.

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
What Windows exactly?
Mar 13, 2015 7:05AM PDT

Windows 8 or Windows 8.1? Might make a difference.

Kees

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Windows 8.1
Mar 13, 2015 4:36PM PDT

I have Windows 8.1.
If there is a way to assign the Windows logo key to display the taskbar instead of taking me to the start menu it should do it for me... Or even if there is a way to make up a combination key to show me the taskbar, e.g. Ctrl+T(or whatever) to show the taskbar...

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Answer
The thing is, full screen apps may eat those keystrokes.
Mar 13, 2015 4:57PM PDT
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Apps
Mar 14, 2015 9:42AM PDT

I am not using any apps... Simply watching something in full screen on my internet browser...

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And that is an app.
Mar 14, 2015 9:49AM PDT

Full screen mode may block the pop up of this or that. It's a common misunderstanding.
Bob

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Answer
hide the task bar
Mar 14, 2015 11:00AM PDT

you can always hide the task bar then when you need it just move the cursor down to the bottom to make it appear when any window is in full screen.

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not possible
Mar 14, 2015 3:34PM PDT

Sorry, but I don't understand... I clearly explained the issue above. I am not using any apps, just a movie in gull screen mode on my browser and obviously I won't be able to see the taskbar by just moving my cursor down when I'm in full screen mode... In Windows 7 I used to hit the Windows logo key to see it and I'm looking for an equivalent in windows 8

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Full screen and what happens does change from PC to PC.
Mar 14, 2015 3:37PM PDT

I know we can do a bit more with Classic Shell but you are fighting a common issue with full screen control apps. They may block this. It's not an OS thing, it's an app thing.
Bob

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it is possible
Mar 14, 2015 3:46PM PDT

right click the taskbar, make sure it is unlocked, click on properties. Click on hide task bar. Your task bar will hide whenever it is not in use. However if you move your mouse cursor to the bottom of the screen, your taskbar will appear, even if you have a window in full screen.

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tried other things?
Mar 14, 2015 3:53PM PDT

set bottom panel aka taskbar to always show?
tried CTRL or ALT or combo with Logo key?